Wike’s remarks against Odili are treacherous – Timi Frank

Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his recent verbal attacks on Dr. Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers State.

Wike had reportedly lashed out at Odili during a thanksgiving service organised by Martin Amaewhule, a factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in Port Harcourt. At the event, Wike allegedly described Odili as an “ingrate” and a “rent seeker” for his perceived support of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

READ MORE: Wike replies Odili, accuses ex-governor of sycophancy

In a statement released on Tuesday, Frank condemned Wike’s remarks as yet another instance of the Minister’s tendency to betray political allies. “Wike’s condemnable outburst against Odili shows how quickly he can turn friends into foes and his irredeemable unpredictability. This is not his first time, and it will not be his last,” Frank stated.

Frank further alleged that Wike had previously betrayed other political figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife Patience Jonathan, and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, after benefiting from their political patronage.

“In 2023, Wike formed an unholy alliance against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ensuring its loss in the presidential election,” Frank claimed. “Even now, he continues to orchestrate crises within the PDP, including in Rivers State, to weaken the party ahead of 2027.”

Frank also criticised Wike’s dual role as a PDP member serving in an APC-led administration, describing it as evidence of political opportunism.

READ MORE: Group cautions Odili over alleged inflammatory remarks against Wike

“What better evidence of treachery do we need from a man who is both a member of PDP and a minister in an APC administration?” he asked.

Frank urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution in dealing with Wike. “For Wike, fidelity to political relationships is anathema. If he is not the one in charge, no other person should be,” Frank warned.

He concluded by reiterating his call for Tinubu to be wary of Wike as the 2027 general elections draw closer. “This is why I have kept warning President Tinubu to beware of Wike,” Frank said.

Wike’s remarks against Odili and the subsequent backlash have added another layer of tension to Rivers State politics, with observers noting a growing pattern of intra-party divisions and personal feuds.